Americans Prioritize Everyday Spending Rewards Over Travel Perks

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Points Guy, a trusted media platform for maximizing rewards from loyalty programs, has released its inaugural State of Loyalty Report. The report reveals that Americans are placing more value on everyday spending rewards, with fuel, credit card, and retail programs topping the list. According to the findings, 58% of respondents value fuel programs, 55% credit card programs, and 49% retail programs, compared to 35% for airline and 34% for hotel programs.

The report highlights that consumers are most attracted to immediate and tangible rewards. Eighty-eight percent of respondents value cents off at the pump, 84% appreciate cash back, and 84% enjoy free food. In contrast, aspirational benefits such as elite status, experiential perks, and cross-brand benefits are among the lowest in perceived value.

Key takeaways from the report include the disparity between the most popular programs and their actual value. Starbucks, despite leading in dining popularity at 35%, offers some of the lowest returns. Target Circle, which leads in retail popularity at 28%, also does not offer the highest base returns. The same divide is evident in travel programs, where the most popular airline and hotel programs do not necessarily offer the highest value per point.

The report also reveals that being a member of a loyalty program does not always equate to being loyal. Half of retail and dining loyalty members say their rewards program typically doesn't influence where they shop or eat. Only 28% of airline loyalty members are very or extremely confident in maximizing their rewards, the lowest of any category measured.

Fast food rewards can deliver surprising value. Across the dining programs analyzed, programs offered a median 12% return toward a first free-food reward. MyMcDonald's offers 16.6% and Domino's up to 25% on qualifying purchases.

Premium credit card perks may be hitting a ceiling. Nearly four in five consumers are not willing to pay a higher annual fee for additional premium benefits or exclusive access. Only 40% of credit card members feel confident they are maximizing their rewards.

The State of Loyalty Report is based on a nationally representative survey of 2,158 U.S. adults, with an average sample size of 681 respondents within each specific loyalty category. The study examined consumer perceptions and behaviors across travel, dining, retail, and other everyday loyalty categories. Since its launch in 2010, The Points Guy, founded by Brian Kelly, has become the industry-leading source for all things points, miles, and loyalty, reaching 11 million unique monthly visitors.